Not sure how much you’ll bring to the closing table in Murrells Inlet? You’re not alone. Closing costs can feel confusing, especially when local customs affect who pays what. This guide breaks down typical buyer and seller costs in Georgetown County, how prorations work, what to expect at settlement, and where to verify exact fees. Let’s dive in.

What closing costs cover

Closing costs are the one-time fees and prepaids needed to finalize your home purchase or sale. They include things like title services, lender charges, recording fees, taxes and insurance prepaids, and any prorated items. In South Carolina, who pays which line item often follows local custom and your contract, so it is smart to confirm early with your closing attorney or title company.

For context and consumer protections, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how closing costs work and the disclosures you’ll receive. Those documents will be your single source of truth for exact numbers.

Buyer closing costs: typical ranges

Typical buyer total

A common estimate for buyer closing costs is 2% to 5% of the purchase price. You might be near the lower end if you receive lender credits, and toward the higher end if your loan includes more fees and prepaids. The final amount depends on your loan type, price point, and timing of taxes and insurance.

Common buyer line items

Here are typical items you will see, with conservative ranges:

• Loan application or origination fee: often 0% to 1% of the loan amount. Some lenders waive or bundle this.
• Discount points (optional): 0% to 2% of the loan amount if you buy down the rate.
• Appraisal: typically $400 to $800, depending on property size and complexity.
• Credit report: about $25 to $50.
• Underwriting and processing: roughly $300 to $1,000, depending on lender.
• Title insurance, lender’s policy: usually required with a mortgage; premium varies by price and state. For background, see title insurance basics from ALTA.
• Title search and closing (settlement) fee: often $300 to $900. Local custom may split this between parties or assign it to one side.
• Recording fees for your mortgage and other instruments: usually modest, but verify with the county.
• Escrow reserves: lenders often collect 2 to 6 months of taxes and insurance upfront.
• Prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance: prorated based on Georgetown County’s tax calendar.
• Private mortgage insurance: if applicable, you may pay an upfront amount or your first month’s premium.
• HOA transfer or estoppel fee: common for HOA properties; often $100 to $400 but can be higher.
• Survey fee if required: typically $300 to $800.

Documents that lock in your numbers

You will receive a Loan Estimate within three business days after loan application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. The CFPB explains the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. Review these carefully and ask your lender or title company to walk you through any line items.

Seller closing costs: what to expect

Typical seller total

For sellers, the largest expense is typically the brokerage commission. Nationally, total commissions commonly fall in the 5% to 6% range, though they are negotiable and vary by market. Other seller costs often amount to roughly 1% to 3% of the sale price before mortgage payoffs. For commission context, see National Association of REALTORS research.

Common seller line items

• Real estate commissions: commonly 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between listing and buyer brokers. This is negotiated in your listing agreement.
• Mortgage payoff(s): your loan principal, daily interest to the closing date, and any payoff or recording fees.
• Owner’s title insurance policy: in many Southern markets, sellers often purchase the owner’s policy for the buyer, but this is negotiable. Confirm with your contract and closing attorney.
• Title closing or settlement fee: often $300 to $900 if paid by seller per local practice or contract.
• Recording fees and any local transfer-related fees: verify with the county’s Register of Deeds.
• Prorated property taxes and assessments: you pay your share up to the closing date.
• HOA estoppel or transfer fees and unpaid HOA dues: varies by association; request the resale packet early.
• Repairs and seller concessions: if negotiated, these reduce your net.
• Optional home warranty: often $300 to $600 if you choose to provide one.

Net proceeds example

Here is an illustrative example. On a $350,000 sale with a 6% total commission ($21,000) and $4,000 in other seller closing costs, your gross after closing costs would be about $325,000. You would then subtract your mortgage payoff(s) and any negotiated concessions to estimate your net proceeds. Use your settlement statement for exact numbers.

Who pays what in South Carolina

Local custom vs. contract

South Carolina does not set a universal rule for who pays each fee. Many items are negotiable, and local practice in Murrells Inlet can vary by property and contract terms. Your purchase agreement should clearly state who covers which costs. Your closing attorney or title company will follow the contract when preparing the closing statement.

Owner’s title insurance

In many Southern markets, it is customary for the seller to pay for the owner’s title policy, including parts of South Carolina. This is not a law and can vary by community and transaction. Confirm with your title company and specify it in your contract.

Recording and transfer-related fees

South Carolina does not have a large statewide transfer tax like some states. Counties have recording and clerk fees that are generally modest. Always verify current fees with the Georgetown County Register of Deeds via the Georgetown County official site.

Prorations and HOAs

Property taxes, HOA dues, and similar items are typically prorated to the closing date. Sellers usually pay the portion up to closing, and buyers pay the portion after. To understand billing cycles and due dates, check with the county Treasurer or Auditor through the Georgetown County site and consult the HOA for any pending assessments or transfer fees.

The settlement process in Georgetown County

Timeline highlights

• Loan Estimate to buyer: within three business days after mortgage application.
• Title search and commitment: completed during your escrow period.
• Closing Disclosure to buyer: at least three business days before closing for most loans.
• Final settlement statement: prepared by the closing attorney or title company before closing and shows exact dollar amounts.

What to bring and expect at closing

• Buyers: bring a government-issued photo ID and certified funds or a verified wire for your down payment and closing costs, as instructed by the closing agent. You will review and sign loan documents, disclosures, and the settlement statement.
• Sellers: bring a photo ID and any required payoff details for your mortgage. You will sign the deed, affidavits, and the settlement statement.
• After signing, the closing agent records the deed and mortgage instruments with the county. Funds are disbursed once recording is confirmed.

Smart tips to avoid surprises

• Verify wiring instructions by phone using a known number. Wire fraud is real. Call the title company directly before sending any funds and never rely on emailed instructions alone.
• Request the HOA resale packet or estoppel early. This helps avoid last-minute delays and clarifies any transfer fees or assessments.
• Ask your closing attorney or title company for a preliminary settlement estimate early in escrow. This helps you plan cash to close or net proceeds with fewer surprises.
• Confirm tax timelines. For state-level tax guidance, refer to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and for local dates and billing practices, use the Georgetown County site.
• Review your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure closely. The CFPB’s resources explain how to read these forms and what to ask if numbers change.
• If you are unsure about title insurance, review ALTA’s overview of title insurance and request a written premium quote from your local title company.

Local resources you can trust

• County fees and contacts: Start with the Georgetown County official website to find the Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Assessor.
• State tax guidance: The South Carolina Department of Revenue covers property tax administration and state rules.
• Buyer disclosures and closing forms: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
• Title insurance basics: The American Land Title Association outlines common title fees and coverage.
• Commission and seller cost context: The National Association of REALTORS provides national research and trends.

Whether you are buying a marsh-view condo or selling a custom home near the inlet, clear numbers and early coordination make for a smooth finish. If you want a tailored estimate and local guidance from a team with deep Georgetown County roots, reach out. Connect with Perry Peace for concierge-level advice, your free market report, and a clear plan from contract to keys.

FAQs

How much will I need at closing as a Murrells Inlet buyer?

• Plan for roughly 2% to 5% of the purchase price in buyer closing costs, then confirm your exact cash to close on the Closing Disclosure you receive before settlement.

Who usually pays the owner’s title insurance in Murrells Inlet?

• It is often paid by the seller in many parts of South Carolina, but this is negotiable and should be stated in your contract and confirmed with your closing attorney.

Are transfer taxes a big cost in South Carolina closings?

• South Carolina does not impose a large statewide transfer tax like some states; recording and clerk fees are typically modest, so verify the current schedule with the county Register of Deeds.

What happens if I am selling and still owe a mortgage on the home?

• Your mortgage is paid off from the sale proceeds at closing, using a payoff statement the closing agent requests from your lender, and the lien is then released.

When will I see the final numbers before closing as a buyer?

• You will receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing for most mortgage loans, which details your exact cash to close and all fees.

What are HOA estoppel or transfer fees in Georgetown County?

• If the property is in an HOA, expect a resale or estoppel fee that often ranges from about $100 to $400 or more; ask the HOA or management company for exact amounts early in escrow.